Join us in experiencing the spectacular gathering of immense numbers of Sandhill Cranes at the Jasper-Pulaski Preserve. Views of the flight, feeding, communication and sometimes-awkward landing patterns are certain to delight all who attend. If you have not witnessed this amazing sight in the past, now is the time. Price includes round-trip travel via Museum van from Cleveland to Valparaiso, Indiana, and one night’s stay in Valparaiso. Meals not included. Travel time to Jasper-Pulaski Preserve is approximately five hours.

Join our hale and hearty naturalists for a visit to the historic site of "Sawdust," the area immortalized in Isabelle Klein’s book, "Letters From Sawdust." Do yourself a favor and read the book before attending the hike for the opportunity to view the preserve through the author’s literary eyes.

This beautiful woodland setting, adorned with stately hemlocks, mature white pines and spectacular views provides the perfect backdrop for a winter ramble. The focus will be on searching for the unique nature associated with one of our newest preserves. Sturdy hiking boots a must.

Brush up on your winter plant identification skills as we take a walk through the Museum’s Thelma and Kent H. Smith Environmental Courtyard and the Ralph Perkins II Woods Garden. We will learn how to identify trees and shrubs using various characteristics that will still be apparent in the winter, including bark, buds and leaf scars.

Join us for a frosty winter two- hour hike at the Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve followed by a warm-up at the Willoughby Brewing Company. Nature investigations will include viewing gulls, waterfowl and woodland birds. Price includes a sampling of their signature brews.

The average high temperature in southern Florida in January is in the 70s. That alone might be enough to send you to Florida to escape the Ohio winter, but this trip will be a unique opportunity to see the natural history of southern Florida, including the Florida Keys. We will focus on the birds and plants unique to this region, but will spend time observing reptiles, fish, and other wildlife. Stops will include Everglades National Park, a boat tour to Lignumvitae Key, the opportunity to snorkel, and Archbold Biological Station. We expect to see Magnificent Frigatebird, Snail Kite, Roseate Spoonbill, the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay, and of course alligators!

The price for the trip will be $1,495 per person double occupancy, and includes ground transportation, lodging, breakfast and lunches, all park entry fees, snorkeling fees, and guides (does not include airfare nor dinners). The trip price includes a tax-deductible donation to The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Limit 16.

Visit Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park and Canyon de Chelly National Monument archaeological sites with Curator of Archaeology Dr. Brian Redmond and Dr. Steve Lekson from the University of Colorado, the pre-eminent scholar of southwestern United States archaeological sites. The price for the trip will be approximately $3000 per person double occupancy, and includes ground transportation, lodging, breakfast and lunches, all park entry fees, and guides (does not include airfare nor dinners). The trip price includes a tax-deductible donation to The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Limit 16.

Shore birds by the thousands stage and migrate along coastal Massachusetts. This is also breeding habitat for Piping Plover and Roseate Tern. Learn about the work of the Goldenrod Foundation and Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, all near historic Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Plantation. Finalized dates and costs to be determined.